Old Sicilian Variation: Definition & Themes
Old Sicilian Variation
Definition
The Old Sicilian Variation is an historical branch of the Sicilian Defence that arises after the moves:
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 e5 5. Nb5 d6
In modern opening manuals it is catalogued under ECO code B32 as a sub-line of the Pelikan (or Lasker-Pelikan) System.
The term “Old” is used because this set-up predates the now more fashionable Sveshnikov (5…Nf6) and Kalashnikov (4…e5 5.Nb5 a6) systems that share the same early …e5 thrust but differ in move order and piece placement.
Typical Move Order
The most common path to the variation is:
Strategic Themes
- Outpost on d5: By playing …e5 Black grabs space but permanently concedes the d5 square. White’s nearest knight (usually from b5 or c3) aims to occupy that hole.
- Backward pawn on d6: Black’s pawn structure (pawns on c5, d6, e5) can become a long-term target. Plans with c4-c5 or f2-f4-f5 try to increase the pressure.
- Queenside space: Black normally counters by expanding with …a6, …b5 and occasionally …Bb7, rolling pawns down the a- and b-files to generate counterplay against White’s queenside.
- King safety and piece activity: Both sides castle kingside in most cases, but piece activity is critical. Black’s dark-squared bishop often fianchettoes to g7, while White places rooks on the open d- and semi-open c-files.
How It Is Used in Practice
Today the Old Sicilian is considered playable but somewhat risky at top level because theory has shown precise ways for White to exploit the weak d5 square. Nevertheless it remains a practical surprise weapon, especially for players who like:
- Sharp, asymmetrical pawn structures
- A clear strategic plan of queenside expansion
- Positions similar to the Sveshnikov but without its vast theory
Historical Background
The moves 4…e5 and 5…d6 were already played in the nineteenth century by Louis Paulsen and Johannes Zukertort, long before the Sicilian became a mainstream defence. Emanuel Lasker adopted the set-up with success at St. Petersburg 1895, giving it the alternative name Lasker–Pelikan Variation. Around the late 1970s Evgeny Sveshnikov revitalised the sibling line 5…Nf6, which eclipsed the “Old” line in master practice, but the original variation never disappeared completely.
Illustrative Games
-
Lasker – Pillsbury, St. Petersburg 1895
The World Champion demonstrated the dynamic potential of Black’s queenside pawns, eventually overpowering Pillsbury’s centre after a timely …d5 break. -
Kasparov – Polugaevsky, Moscow 1981
A young Kasparov showed modern handling for White, parking a knight on d5 and switching to a kingside attack once the queenside was under control. -
Topalov – Shirov, Linares 1998
Shirov employed the Old Sicilian as a surprise; a thematic exchange sacrifice on c3 gave him ample compensation and an eventual draw against the future World Champion.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The name “Old Sicilian” is not a value judgement—it simply marks the chronological order in which the …e5 ideas appeared.
- In database statistics the line scores almost exactly 50 %, reflecting its double-edged nature.
- Because the knight on b5 can be annoying, Black players jokingly call …a6 “the boot” that kicks the trespasser back.
- The structure with pawns on c5–d6–e5 also arises in other Sicilian offshoots (Sveshnikov, Kalashnikov), so studying the Old Sicilian improves understanding of those modern systems.
- At faster time controls grandmasters such as Alexei Shirov and Baadur Jobava still wheel it out for its surprise value and to avoid the heaviest Sveshnikov theory.